safety steps

WHCA31 TAPA
TROPICAL CYCLONE INFORMATION STATEMENT
ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA METEOROLOGICAL SERVICE
9:15 AM ECT SATURDAY AUGUST 31 2024

…Tropical cyclone unlikely to affect the area…no action required…

The Antigua and barbuda Meteorological Service is monitoring the progress of a tropical wave, which should arrive in the area on Monday.

The system is unlikely to develop further before reaching the islands. The tropical wave could become a tropical disturbance AL99, and perhaps go on to become a tropical depression or tropical storm after passing the islands and while crossing the Caribbean sea.

At this time, the system poses no threat to the Leeward Islands and the British Virgin Islands. The risk of wind, rainfall or seas is very low; hence, no action is required; however, stay prepared for the hurricane season.

At 8 am ECT or 1200 UTC, the axis of the tropical wave of interest was located about 860 miles east of the Leeward Islands moving west at around 13 mph.

Maximum sustained winds are less than 25 mph with higher gusts. Strengthening is forecast and a tropical depression could form next week in the Caribbean sea, west of the area.

There is a near-zero percent chance of formation in 48 hours and a 50 percent chance of formation in seven days. Please note that no alerts, watches or warnings are in effect for the area, and this is unlikely to change for this system.

Residents should monitor this system and remain prepared for the rest of the hurricane season. The next update will be around 8 am tomorrow, or sooner if required.

Forecaster Dale Destin